At mid-term, SAGA 2 strengthens agricultural resilience and climate governance in Senegal

From September 30 to October 3, 2025, the SAGA 2 project partners met in Mbour to review progress made at mid-term and define priorities for the next phase. Organized by FAO, in collaboration with the Government of Senegal and the Government of Québec, the workshop brought together representatives from ministries, local authorities, producer organizations, research institutions, and civil society.

“Thanks to this cooperation with the FAO and the Government of Québec, our country benefits from a strategic project that strengthens the resilience of our agricultural sector in the face of the growing impacts of climate change,” said Mr. Boubacar Dramé, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock (MASAE) and Chair of the project’s National Technical Committee.

For her part, Ms. Julie Gervais, First Counsellor at the Québec General Delegation in Dakar, highlighted the innovative aspects of the project and its long-term vision for climate resilience:

“The Government of Québec is pleased to contribute, through its support for the SAGA 2 project, to the search for sustainable and inclusive solutions to climate and food security challenges in Senegal. This innovative initiative, based on a multi-stakeholder approach, fully reflects Québec’s commitment to international solidarity and the fight against climate change.”

The project has supported Senegal’s National Adaptation Plan for the Agricultural Sector (PNA-Agriculture), the co-development of its implementation plan, and capacity development of sectoral actors within the National Committee on Climate Change (COMNACC) on climate governance.

Discussions among project partners highlighted concrete progress achieved with producers, particularly women farmers:

• Climate solidarity funds established by women’s savings and credit networks in Kaolack, supporting women’s economic empowerment;
• The “Resilience Garden” in Mbam (Matam), enhancing food security, restoring land, and empowering women;
• The development of climate-resilient beekeeping in Casamance, generating income and supporting biodiversity;
• Climate advisory clubs in the Niayes, Diourbel, and Kaffrine regions, promoting soil health practices adapted to climate change;
• Farmer Field Schools and micro-gardens in Thiès, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.

Research activities have also advanced, producing reliable data on water resources, climate risks, ecosystem services, climate information, and agroecological options, to support both producers and decision-makers.

A field visit to Kaolack illustrated the concrete results of these initiatives, particularly in local adaptation financing led by rural women.

1. Showcasing and sharing local successes

The TV5 Monde report on SAGA 2 was cited as an example of effective visibility. Participants recommended strengthening documentation and communication of good practices, and disseminating results through national media, community radio, and social networks. The use of local languages and adapted visual materials was encouraged to broaden access to information and raise awareness among more producers and decision-makers.

2. Better integration between field and institutional activities

Participants emphasized the need to enhance coordination between civil society organizations and public institutions, notably by linking local initiatives with MASAE’s new priorities and the PNA-Agriculture. Strengthening the capacities of local institutions, as well as knowledge and technology transfer, were identified as key factors for ensuring sustainability and successful exit strategies.

3. Sustaining achievements and fostering synergies

The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining collaboration beyond the workshop, through ongoing communication frameworks among partners and cross-invitations to events such as open days and thematic workshops. The National Technical Committee reaffirmed the need to consolidate, document, and share project results to mobilize financing for scaling up successful models at the territorial level.

            SAGA2 partners participating in the Atelier 

The SAGA 2 Project is funded by the Government of Québec and implemented by FAO, in partnership with the Governments of Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Haiti, as well as civil society organizations and academic institutions. Through a multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral and multi-level approach, the project supports these countries in implementing their priorities for climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector.